Arch and bimini fabricator?

[Cardo]

Afternoon all,

So in preparation for our extended cruising trip, we're going to install a number of solar panels on the boat in order to be as self sustaining as possible. The boat doesn't really have any flat spaces to install solar panels, so we've decided to have an arch constructed and I'm hoping to stick 3x 80w (or 100w if the price comes down enough) panels on this. The panels weigh 7kg each, so we'd be looking for an arch that would take at least 21kg.

The boat is 35 foot with a centre cockpit and a small boarding platform off the stern. I'm hoping to have the arch installed right at the back, over the stern of the boat, including the platform. This would require the arch to be raked back from the pushpit area. We would then like some kind of bimini coming off the front of it that can be extended forwards to provide shade over the stern of the boat. The solar panels themselves, placed lengthways with the boat and next to each other should provide a decent amount of shade just by themselves.

First of all, does this idea sound reasonable?

Second, who should we approach for such a construction? We're based in the Hamble. Should we go to one of the bimini providers, or someone else?

 

[Tranona]

Quite possible, although you will need to think hard about the design as there will inevitably be conflicts between the need to locate your panels and position of boom and mainsheet for when you want to use the bimini. It is not always possible to use the arch at the rear as a base for the bimini as the latter has to be low enough to go under the boom. Even more difficult if you do not have your mainsheet forward of the cockpit as the real value of a bimini is when you are sailing.

You need to find a stainless fabricator and discuss your ideas with him. Do not expect it to be "cheap".

 

[Cardo]

Quite possible, although you will need to think hard about the design as there will inevitably be conflicts between the need to locate your panels and position of boom and mainsheet for when you want to use the bimini. It is not always possible to use the arch at the rear as a base for the bimini as the latter has to be low enough to go under the boom. Even more difficult if you do not have your mainsheet forward of the cockpit as the real value of a bimini is when you are sailing.

You need to find a stainless fabricator and discuss your ideas with him. Do not expect it to be "cheap".

Thanks for the pointers. The bimini coming from the arch would be a relatively small one to provide shade to the aft deck. We would then have a separate bimini to fit over the cockpit and under the boom. We are fortunate to have a mainsheet track on the coachroof so this won't interfere with a bimini.

As for the costs, we obviously haven't approached anyone yet, but had been looking at around £1000 - £1500 for the arch construction. Is this sensible or are we dreaming?

 

[Gordonmc]

I did something similar on the cheap.
Mine is a centre-cockpit ketch which came with bimini frames over the cockpit and at the stern over the gin & tonic bench seat.
I took the centre hoop off the stern bimini frame and mounted two 50 w panels on the remaining two using stanchion brackets.
However, the frame is tensioned with 1" tube uprights, not guys, so it is stable. So far its stood up to a couple of gales.
The seat is perfectly usable as the headroom is the same and the panels provide shade.
One aspect to bear in mind is that the frame hangs over the stern so the sparred length is increased a bit.

 

[Tranona]

Thanks for the pointers. The bimini coming from the arch would be a relatively small one to provide shade to the aft deck. We would then have a separate bimini to fit over the cockpit and under the boom. We are fortunate to have a mainsheet track on the coachroof so this won't interfere with a bimini.

As for the costs, we obviously haven't approached anyone yet, but had been looking at around £1000 - £1500 for the arch construction. Is this sensible or are we dreaming?

Cost will depend very much on how complicated it is and whether you can use any of the existing pushpit. Think you will find there is not a lot of space to attach extra fittings in that area of the boat and what starts out as a simple looking job can end up complicated. Not sure of the value of an extra bimini over the aft cabin. Can see the benefit of being able to hang an awning there when at anchor, although together with the arch you will have restricted access to the stern. On my boat (without an arch) I have a backdrop which zips onto the back of the bimini to provide shade when moored to a quay facing west into the dying sun. Also useful when motoring north in the morning with the sun behind you.

 

[claymore]

Hi
Had a cover "built" for Claymore, with which I am delighted.
Not sure if the firm operate in the deep south but here is the web address.


Www.canvasman.co.uk

I think your budget is optimistic.

 

[pappaecho]

See Steve at Fluid Enginerring at the Sanderson Centre in Gosport. He makes all sorts of special stuff for the major boatbuilders in stainless steel, and I have see all sorts of radar arches, solar panel/gps mounts which he has made for the likes of Sunseeker etc